The Headstrong Project's Words of War Benefit

On a brisk fall evening, a discreet venue in Tribeca was buzzing as the Headstrong Project's second annual benefit was getting under way. The organization, spearheaded by veteran Zach Iscol and Dr. Ann Beeder of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, serves veterans and their families in providing cost-free and confidential treatment for those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, about 22 veterans commit suicide every day. “If you get help, you can get better,” said Iscol, “these are people who are not familiar with failing. I'd like to take the stigma out of PTSD.”

Joining Iscol were lots of his fellow veterans including actor Adam Driver and Ryan Sparks who served with Iscol a decade ago. “We served together,” said Driver adding, “any time you can support veterans is great.”

After cocktails, the program began with a reading of a poem by Gerardo Mena, a decorated Iraqi Freedom veteran and author of The Shape of Our Faces No Longer Matters, who also shared his own experiences. “It's about getting treatment when it's needed,” said Mena, “I know this because I was there.” Captivated by Mena and his speech were Annelise Peterson in Rosie Assoulin, Zani Gugelmann in vintage Moschino, and Marjorie Gubelmann. Afterwards, the Theater of War troupe founded by Bryan Doerries performed a scene from a traditional Japanese Noh play with actors Lili Taylor, David Strathairn, and Anthony Edwards. “It's an unfortunate challenge to fund something that should be a given," said Edwards, “but I'm proud that we're doing it.”

As the evening progressed, actor Jake Gyllenhaal, who starred in Jarhead playing a U.S. Marine, read a poem by veteran Derrick Brown. “It is an honor and privilege to be here tonight,” Gyllenhaal added, “I know a lot say that, but it genuinely is.” With the crowd moved, an auction commenced, raising $400,000 that evening. The night winded down but not before the announcement of a multi-media exhibit-performance, Basetrack Live, at BAM starting on November 11.